Griffey's agent: Napping story was an accident

Ken Griffey Jr's agent says the napping story was
accidentally published before the story was ready.

Brian Goldberg told KIRO Radio Thursday, Tacoma News
Tribune writer Larry LaRue was investigating Griffey's
performance with the Mariners, but accidentally published
his blog posting before completing the story.

According to Goldberg, LaRue felt horrible for prematurely
making the story public before consulting with Griffey and
Mariners Manager Don Wakamatsu. LaRue immediately called
the newspaper after realizing his mistake to try to
retract the story.

Goldberg said the newspaper declined LaRue's request. He
said LaRue wrote a retraction, but the editors at the TNT
told him "No, we need to cover this up. We can't look
foolish."

Darrin Beene, the TNT's sports department leader, told
KIRO Radio the facts of the story are irrefutable with two
unnamed Mariners players confirming Griffey was asleep in
the clubhouse during a game last week. LaRue posted
again on Tuesday with statements from both Griffey and
Wakamatsu denying the incident.

Goldberg said LaRue used the oldest journalism trick in
the book and didn't really speak with two players.
According to Goldberg, the story was relayed to LaRue from
someone else in the organization.

LaRue did regret not talking to Griffey before
the story was posted on the blog. He did, however, try to
contact him on Monday. He also tried to get comment from
M's GM Jack Zduriencik, but Jack Z referred him to a team
spokesman. Also, it should be noted, LaRue told Managing
Editor Dale Phelps that he has not spoken to Goldberg
since spring training.

Goldberg said no one from the Mariners general manager on
up has talked to him about Griffey retiring and Junior is
here to perform whatever role he can.